A look inside political rallies
McCain-Palin rally, Washington, PA. August 30, 2008 (Image: buddhakiwi, Flickr)
In the last days heading up to Nov 4, the candidates are campaigning hard — so who’s turning up to see them? Mark Leibovich from the "New York Times" went to 11 events to experience the people, the tone, the pomp and circumstance. He talks to "The Takeaway" about what he saw.
Leibovich says he found similarities between the Palin crowd and the Obama: "What really struck me was, as far as size, enthusiasm and youth … the Palin crowds have more in common with the Obama crowds than they do the McCain crowds — you do get a sense when you go to these events with Palin and Obama, this is where the future of the two parties is … the real energy in the Republican party were at these Palin rallies."
His other observation: "There’s just a real "two Americas" feel to it, which is not surprising … a lot more chest paint at the Republican rallies, a lot more church groups, a lot more pom-poms, a lot more homemade signs. At the Democratic rallies you had a lot more branded, Obama-Biden Benetton-like clothing … bigger crowds — the Obama crowds are just bigger by a factor of two or three than anything else you see."
According to Leiboich, the McCain and Biden events appeal more to traditional, party-based types; and that there is a notion that one side has a monopoly on patriotism:
"You do get a sense that Republicans still really do believe … that the Republican party is the patriotic party."
"The Takeaway" is PRI’s new national morning news program, delivering the news and analysis you need to catch up, start your day, and prepare for what’s ahead. The show is a co-production of WNYC and PRI, in editorial collaboration with the BBC, The New York Times Radio, and WGBH.
More at thetakeaway.org
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